Nissan 200SX Spec S S15 Review

Overall Rating

Amazing handeling.
Great looks.
Lots of power, torque and responsiveness.
Reliability.
Cheap to service (although what you save on servicing, you will pay on insurance).

Poor Interior trim fit and quality.
Clutch feel iffy.
Terrible fuel consumption.
Not enough space in the rear for additional passengers.

I've had my Nissan 200SX Spec S S15 for close to 2 years now and it still puts a smile on my face every time I plant it.

Overall, the engine is very resilient and can cope with extensive modifications. Service it with new, high grade oil and filters every couple of months and it will be as reliable as the day the car was bought. VCT units sometimes fail and make a terrible clackering racket, but they are an easy enough fix. I should add that this is something that I havent encountered as of yet (knock on wood). The engine can feel harsh at times, but this is not a fault and should be overlooked. The turbo is quite competent, but just doesn't have the viceral energy that the earlier T25's did on the S13 models. That said, the car does accelerate better than the earlier models. I

The gearbox has great feel, with the synchros giving a firm but not overwhelming resistence before succumbing. The gearshifter throw is very smooth and progressive, making every shift rewarding. I personally enjoy rowing through the gears and sometimes do it needlessly. Unfortunately, the 6 speed box does have its deficiencies, especially after extensive improper use. Whining sounds are common and should not instigate worry - if the sound is excrutiating (is audible with the windows open or the radio on medium volume), turn away. One of the synchro sets also has a weak point, whereby a circlip can distort and allow the cog to move laterally on its spline. Generally the gearbox is strong, but should be treated with respect.

The clutch is the only component of the driveline that has an odd feel. It is very resilient and with proper use, generally wont fade out. However, it is hard to release at the exact moment. It takes finnesse to use, but overall it works well once the driver has become accustomed. It is distinctly unique - a european car has a completely different feel in this regard.

Overall, the car is very tactile; it loves to be thrown around and has an astonishing amount of grip due to its low center of gravity, low curb mass and excellent chassis. I must emphasise that the chassis is amongst the best of them, even by todays standards - the car does not flex at all. It is easy to send the tail out, especially after exiting an apex at full throttle. However, the cars perfect weight distribution and independent suspension will iron everything out if you know what you are doing. It may be an intimidating drive for some in the wet, but it can be extremely fun and very rewarding for those who are well aquainted. Unfortunately, there is no traction control to deal with slippery conditions, so you need to be alert. It should be treated with respect.

The suspension has excellent compliance and is generally firm enough to guarantee great handelling, but not too firm so as to rattle fillings. It is virtually impossible to bottom out, even on a swoopy track.

The interior is very comfortable and the climate control is easy to use with its analog switchgear (the Japanese Spec R models had a digital climate control). The 6 stack CD playe is surprisingly good for a stock unit and even includes a tape deck. The Clarion speakers are amongs the best that I have encountered in a stock vehilce, far surpassing the sound quality that higher priced car brands like BMW have. This is from first hand comparison. Some cars had a plastic steering wheel, which is intially not a strong point, but easy to settle into. The stock steering wheel can easily be replaced with a leather Japanese spec wheel.

The seats, although not buckets, are extremely supportive and comfortable. They do lack height adjustment, but it isn't really needed. The trims do have a tendency to scratch, and show their age. Some parts of the interior do have an inherent tendency to rattle - this includes door trims and the passenger side airbag covering. These problems are an easy fix though.

Overall, the S15 is a great car, which will prove to be extremely rewarding for its owner. You cant really go wrong.

Members' Comments onGuest's Review

• supra4lyf on 1st Sep 2009

  Umm.....isnt Spec S the non turbo version?
  
  I think some of the people commented below had it mixed up with the Spec R @@
  
  Because im sure it cannot smoke a V8 with only 165hp.